The LA Kings left Ottawa on Saturday night with a lot to unpack and plenty to think about, as they return to the United States for the final two games of what amounts to a six-game road trip.
After playing in Canada’s capital city, they’re now headed to America’s capital to visit Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals on Monday. However, coach Jim Hiller will need to reconfigure his blueline for that one, as Drew Doughty injured his left ankle/foot in the second period and eventually left the arena in a walking boot. While no immediate timeline was available, caution will be taken considering it’s the same area where he had surgery last year.
As for the game itself, LA was able to grind out another win — their fourth straight victory on this trip, and their 10th straight road game where they earned at least one point.
The Kings, who now boast the most road points in the NHL (20), leaned on disciplined defense and timely goaltending to secure the win. Both teams came out playing a conservative style, attempting to feel each other out. Midway through the first frame, Alex Laferriere broke the deadlock on a deflected shot, netting what turned out to be the only goal of the game.
The productive line of Quinton Byfield, Kevin Fiala, and Laferriere continued their recent hot streak, now having scored in four consecutive games on this road trip.
Despite facing two penalties, the Kings outshot the Senators 5-3, showing resilience and control defensively early on.
The second period saw both teams clamp down even more defensively, with the Kings managing just two shots on goal. Doughty’s injury came while blocking a shot he couldn’t see, casting concern over his status moving forward for both NHL and potentially Olympic games.
By the end of two periods, forwards from both teams had combined for only six shots each; Adrian Kempe and Claude Giroux both had three apiece. Ottawa held a slight 10-7 shot advantage overall.
The Kings earned two power plays in the final frame, generating several chances but failing to extend their lead. Anton Forsberg, returning to Ottawa after five seasons with the Senators, delivered a standout performance, making crucial saves down the stretch to secure his first shutout of the season and playing his best game in a Kings uniform.
Key Facts and Notes:
• Although they lead the Pacific Division with 24 points, that doesn’t tell the real story (when considering games played). LA holds a point percentage of .632, trailing the .639 of both the Kraken and Ducks.
• The Kings are now even on the season with 55 Goals For and 55 Goals Against.
• LA’s road dominance continues, leading the NHL with 20 road points.
• Alex Laferriere’s goal marked his second straight game with a tally.
• The Byfield-Laferriere-Fiala line remains red-hot, contributing points in four straight games.
Full game highlights can be viewed here:
Pregame notes and lineups can be found in the article linked below.
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